Squires, John Young

August 04, 2006

SQUIRES, John Young

John Young Squires, of Storrs, passed away Tuesday (July 25, 2006) at the age of 94 in Miami, FL. Born and raised in Norwalk, his early participation in the Norwalk YMCA led to his interest in physical education, and ultimately to attending Springfield College. At Springfield, he participated in soccer, swimming and track and was ranked seventh in his class in his freshman year. In 1934 he was awarded a scholarship to the University of Geneva, Switzerland, where he continued his study of physical education and toured many European countries (over 5,000 miles, most while in a 'rumble seat'), an experience he often recounted as a highlight of his life. In 1935, his senior year. he won the New England Backstroke Championship. He went on to earn his Masters degree in Education from the University of Connecticut and then his Doctorate degree in Physical Education from Springfield College. His career began at the University of Connecticut in 1937 and spanned 39 years, until his retirement in 1976. He served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy during World War II, when he was responsible for overseeing aquatic and survival training for thousands of navy personnel while stationed in Norfolk, VA and Hollywood, FL. During his tenure at the University of Connecticut, he was a Professor of Physical Education and coach of the soccer and swimming programs for many years. In 1948, his UConn soccer team achieved great distinction with an 11-0 record, and the title of National Soccer Champions. Among the many awards and distinctions he earned over the course of his career were the following: He organized and ran the first NCAA Soccer Championship held at UConn in 1959; President of National Soccer Coaches Association and Chaired the NCAA in 1960; inducted in the National Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame in 1993 in Oneida, NY, and inducted into the Springfield College Hall of Fame in 1996. For many years, he was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and taught safe boating and seamanship courses. Sailing was a lifelong passion, and he took his last sail just weeks before his passing, through the 'Shake a Leg' foundation, which provides sailing opportunities for the handicapped in Miami. He was also a long time volunteer with the American Red Cross. His first wife, Nancy Flinchbaugh Squires, and mother of his three sons, predeceased him in 1973. He later married Mary Beal Squires, and they were married eighteen years when she passed away in 1994. Together. John and Mary traveled extensively and through their marriage, united two families. John Squires is survived by his sons, Richard in Miami, FL, Robert in Palm City, FL, and Stephen in Storrs, and their families, and his brother David Squires in Westport. He has three grandchildren, Daina Squires Daniel. Brenton Squires and Devyn Squires. He is survived by his four stepchildren, Lucy Andrews, Steven Beal, Michael Beal and Robert BeaI and their families. A Memorial Service will be held for John Squires at the Storrs Congregational Church, Storrs, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 14. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Dr. John Y. Squires Scholarship Fund. UCADF, University of Connecticut, 2111 Hillside Rd, Unit 3078, Storrs, CT 06269. Checks should be made out to UCADF.